2004 CQU Rockhampton Cup on Wheels

Queensland, Australia, January 16-17, 2004

A hot future for cycling: Top sponsorship adds value

The future of cycling in Rockhampton and Queensland, Australia looks hot with the CQU Rockhampton Cup on Wheels attracting over 70 nominations for the junior age divisions. Boys and girls as young as nine through to our oldest junior riders at U17 will form a strong presence at the Cup and show that cycling is definitely more than just about riding a bike to and from school.

The fabulous increase in numbers has also ensured that in all age divisions, a separate boys and girls race will take place. A remarkable increase in the number of women getting involved in cycling has prompted organisers to allow the girls and boys to have separate divisions.

Junior riders in grades U17 and below ride on restricted gearing, allowing the riders to learn the important basics of cycling, including pedalling efficiency and bike skills. This keeps all of the riders on a level playing field in terms of their varied strength development and it is only when riders move into the U19 ranks and above that they are allowed to dabble in riding bigger gears.

Local Rockhampton junior riders will be making a powerful presence at this year's Central Queensland University Rockhampton Cup on Wheels.

Jeremy Hogg, Joshua James, Lachlan Plane, Neil Teichmann, Tyler Wright and Josh Edwards, known affectionately as the "wasps" are looking the goods coming into this years Cup, competing in the hard-hitting U17 age division. Under the guidance of coach, Des Cosgrove, these riders will have the opportunity to gauge their pedalling power against each other and also other Queensland riders, including Tarquin Wallace from Balmoral and Danny Vagg of Broncos.

"I believe the boys will be dominant at this year's Cup. We have been working hard on leg strength and have not backed off the hard work as yet, looking further ahead to the State Titles at the end of the month", said Cosgrove. "They will certainly prove to be a lethal combination at the CQU Rocky Cup."

A strong field of U19 women will also take to the velodrome with Rockhampton's Katie Smith, a Queensland track representative going head to head with Broncos Kristen Gilbert and Haley Wright, all Queensland representatives with Gilbert and Wright medallists at the 2003 National Junior Track Championships. In the U19 men, Miles Olman, 2003 World Junior Points Score Champion will have good opposition from CATS riders Bradley Payne and Todd Dawson and Dale Chiverton from Broncos.

In the U15 ranks, Sarah Edwards is showing to be a big improver from last track season and can look forward to a good tussle with Haley Grant of Townsville and Phillipa Hindmarsh of the CQU/QAS Talent ID Squad. In the boys, local boys Nick Hogg and Mitchell Plane will be looking to show Townsville boys Jake Tucker and Aaron Ross that a home town advantage could prove to be lethal. Sean Caskey from Broncos could also be the dark horse coming into the Cup with good performances on the road, in particular the Rockhampton Open late last year.

The real future of cycling will also be on display at the CQU Rockhampton Cup on Wheels with a strong contingent of riders in the U13, U11 and U9 age divisions. Brodie Stewart from Broncos, an ex-Rockhampton rider will be a force in the U13 division, looking to ruffle the feathers of Penny O'Dea and the U11 age division will be hotly contested by Melanie Plane, Alexandra O'Dea, Sophie Edwards and Francisca Higgins all of Rockhampton.

With such a strong presence of junior cyclists, both male and female on show, the CQU Rockhampton Cup on Wheels is sure maintain its high tradition as one of Queensland's largest open carnivals for many years to come.

CQ Cranes lifts cycling spirits to provide masters masterpieces with the winning edge

The quote "you are only as old as you think you are" will be proudly proven true at the CQU Rockhampton Cup on Wheels with solid nominations in the Masters categories for the annual Queensland event kicking off on Friday 16th January at 6pm.

Nominations have been received from across Queensland for the Masters categories and it is a great testimony that cycling is a sport, which can be enjoyed by riders of all ages.

Leading the charge for Rockhampton in the Masters division will be Ron Hickson, an avid cyclist and member of the Rockhampton Cycling Club for many years. Hickson still regularly competes in local club racing in B Grade and is often seen giving the younger riders a touch up with his track nouce and bike craft.

Also making an appearance at this years Cup will be Byron Tucker, who will be competing for the Townsville Cycling Club. Tucker is no stranger to the Kenrick Tucker Velodrome and to Rockhampton, having trained and competed in Rockhampton and across Australia for many years in the 1970s and 1980s with his two brothers, Russell and Kenrick. Tucker was an Australian Track Champion and rode for Australia numerous times, including the 1991 World Championships and the New Zealand Games and also competed for Australia in China.

Tucker made a good impression early in the season at the Townsville October/November Carnival, placing well in the men's B Grade Division and will be looking to again produce some solid riding at the CQU Rocky Cup. Tucker's father, local coaching master Ken Tucker, says Byron is on the comeback trail.

"He will be at his most dangerous if he gets beaten early in the carnival. He grows another leg when he gets beaten and will be the one to watch in the Masters division".

Byron's main rival will be the colourful Matt Jenkin, a Rockhampton Cycling Club rider. "Byron will also have a good tussle over the shorter races with Jenkin who is very quick over the shorter distances." Billy Wright from Wynnum will also be looking to be there for the shorter sprints.

Racing commences at 6pm on Friday night and Saturday night at 4pm. Proudly supported by Central Queensland University, WIN TV, CQ Crane Hire, DC Motors, The Berserker Tavern, Herron, Todd, White Valuers, Newsomes Tyre and Mechanical, HOT FM and The Morning Bulletin.